British folk rock is a genre that combines rock music with folk music. It often uses electric instruments and modern production techniques. British folk rock emerged in the 1960s, influenced by the success of the Animals, the Beatles, and the Byrds, who all incorporated folk elements into their rock songs. Some of the most influential and popular British folk rock bands are:

10. Fairport Convention

Fairport Convention, widely regarded as the first and most important British folk rock band, occupies a prominent place in music history. They formed in 1967 and experimented with different styles of music, including psychedelic rock, American folk rock, and traditional British folk. They are best known for their landmark album Liege & Lief (1969).

It featured original songs and adaptations of old folk ballads, such as “Tam Lin” and “Matty Groves”. Fairport Convention influenced many other folk rock artists, such as Nick Drake, Sandy Denny, and Richard Thompson.

9. Pentangle

Pentangle was a folk rock group that formed in 1967. It featured two guitarists, John Renbourn and Bert Jansch, who were both masters of fingerstyle acoustic guitar. Singer Jacqui McShee, bassist Danny Thompson, and drummer Terry Cox joined them.

Pentangle blended folk, jazz, blues, and classical music, creating a unique and sophisticated sound. They are also known for their albums Basket of Light (1969), which included the hit single “Light Flight”, and Cruel Sister (1970), which was based on a traditional folk tale.

8. Steeleye Span

Steeleye Span was a folk rock band that formed in 1969. It featured singer Maddy Prior, guitarist Tim Hart, bassist Ashley Hutchings, and violinist Peter Knight. Guitarist Martin Carthy and drummer Nigel Pegrum later joined them. Steeleye Span focused on reviving and modernizing old folk songs, especially from the Child Ballads collection.

They used electric guitars, drums, and synthesizers, as well as vocal harmonies and counterpoint. Their albums also include Below the Salt (1972), featuring the epic “Thomas the Rhymer,” and All Around My Hat (1975), their most successful commercial release.

7. Lindisfarne

Lindisfarne was a folk rock band that formed in 1970. It featured singer and guitarist Alan Hull, singer and mandolinist Ray Jackson, guitarist Simon Cowe, bassist Rod Clements, and drummer Ray Laidlaw.

Moreover, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and the Byrds, along with traditional folk music from their native North East England, influenced them. They are known for their albums Nicely Out of Tune (1970). It included the classic “Lady Eleanor”, and Fog on the Tyne (1971). It was also the best-selling album in the UK in 1972.

6. Jethro Tull

Jethro Tull was a folk rock band that formed in 1967. It featured singer and flautist Ian Anderson, guitarist Martin Barre, bassist Glenn Cornick, and drummer Clive Bunker. They were initially a blues rock band, but later incorporated elements of folk, progressive rock, hard rock, and heavy metal.

They are known for their albums Aqualung (1971), which also featured the iconic “Locomotive Breath”, and Thick as a Brick (1972). A single 43-minute song divided into two parts constituted it.

5. Strawbs

Strawbs was a folk rock band that formed in 1964 as the Strawberry Hill Boys. They started out as a bluegrass group, but later moved on to other styles such as progressive rock and art rock. Their hit “Part of the Union,” which reached number two in the UK Singles Chart in 1973, and the popular progressive rock song “Lay Down” from the same album, are among their best-known works.

Strawbs also featured some notable musicians, such as Sandy Denny, who sang with them before joining Fairport Convention, and Rick Wakeman, who played keyboards for two albums before moving on to Yes.

4. The Albion Band

The Albion Band was a folk rock band that formed in 1971. It featured singer and guitarist Simon Nicol, singer and fiddler Dave Swarbrick, bassist Ashley Hutchings, and drummer Dave Mattacks. They were a spin-off of Fairport Convention.

Furthermore, the band continued to explore the British folk tradition. They often collaborated with other folk artists, such as Shirley Collins, John Kirkpatrick, and Martin Carthy. They are known for their albums Rise Up Like the Sun (1978). It also featured the anthemic “Poor Old Horse”, and Light Shining (1983), which was a concept album about the Industrial Revolution.

3. Mumford & Sons

Mumford & Sons is a folk rock band that formed in 2007. It featured singer and guitarist Marcus Mumford, banjoist and guitarist Winston Marshall, keyboardist and accordionist Ben Lovett, and bassist Ted Dwane.

American folk rock, bluegrass, and country music, along with British folk and indie rock, influence them. They are known for their albums Sigh No More (2009). It also included the hit singles “Little Lion Man” and “The Cave”, and Babel (2012), which won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

2. Skinny Lister

Skinny Lister is a folk rock band that formed in 2009. It featured singer and accordionist Lorna Thomas, singer and guitarist Dan Heptinstall, singer and mandolinist Max Thomas, bassist Scott Milsom, and drummer Thom Mills. Punk rock, sea shanties, and traditional folk music influence them.

The band have a lively and energetic stage presence. They are known for their albums Forge & Flagon (2012). It also featured the catchy “Rollin’ Over”, and Down on Deptford Broadway (2015), which featured the rousing “Trouble on Oxford Street”.

1. Oysterband

Oysterband is a folk rock band that formed in 1976. It featured singer and guitarist John Jones, fiddler and keyboardist Ian Telfer, guitarist and mandolinist Alan Prosser, bassist Al Scott, and drummer Dil Davies. Rock, punk, reggae, and world music, along with British and Irish folk music, influence them.

They are known for their albums Holy Bandits (1993). It featured the powerful “When I’m Up I Can’t Get Down”, and Ragged Kingdom (2011), which was a collaboration with folk singer June Tabor.

The Bottom Line

British folk rock is a diverse and rich genre that has produced many great bands and songs over the years. From the pioneers of the 1960s to the modern stars of today, British folk rock has always been innovative and creative. It blended different musical styles and traditions.

Whether you prefer the classic sound of Fairport Convention, the progressive rock of Jethro Tull, the indie folk of Mumford & Sons, or the punk rock of Skinny Lister, there is a British folk rock band for everyone. These are just some of the best British folk rock bands of all time, but there are many more to discover and enjoy.